i need some input my fellow shutter bugs. Im looking to buy a dslr that can shoot good HD video. I was eyeballing the Canon 60D or the T3i? Which one is the better of the two? Or do you recommend another?

Is there a specific application you need, or do you need one for resale purposes? If it's just for general use, you can download the software "updates" from the Canon website and install them with a registry hack. They're full versions of the software.

Is there a specific application you need, or do you need one for resale purposes? If it's just for general use, you can download the software "updates" from the Canon website and install them with a registry hack. They're full versions of the software.

With tax returns coming up, I was looking to upgrade my T2i. I have been SERIOUSLY looking at the Sonly Alpha A77. I really have enjoyed the 550D, but I wanted something that was a bit of a step up. My other considerations were the 60D, and the 7D. Feature-wise, the Alpha blows them out of the water. Any suggestions or experience? I realize most people out here are Nikon or Canon users, but an open mind is appreciated.

I have no Sony experience, but consider your lens selection as well. Have you already invested in much Canon glass?

Not a whole lot. 70-200 F4, 28-135 IS USM, 50 F1.8

I was looking to pick up a new lens or 2 anyway, so I started to ponder if I should just sell the glass, and switch to a better body, or upgrade to a 60 or 7D and have lower specs, and only get another lens. Im just trying to play my options. I dont have a TON invested in lenses, and for my purposes, Id like a 70-200 2.8, and then something in the 17-60 range. That'd do it for me. Maybe a 135 prime at some point as well.

I was looking to pick up a new lens or 2 anyway, so I started to ponder if I should just sell the glass, and switch to a better body, or upgrade to a 60 or 7D and have lower specs, and only get another lens. Im just trying to play my options. I dont have a TON invested in lenses, and for my purposes, Id like a 70-200 2.8, and then something in the 17-60 range. That'd do it for me. Maybe a 135 prime at some point as well.

I agree, but my question is do I put it on an Alpha A77 or on a 60 or 7D? The A77 seems like a lot of camera for the price, and seems to beat the 7D in nearly every category. I was just wondering if anyone had used one.

I agree, but my question is do I put it on an Alpha A77 or on a 60 or 7D? The A77 seems like a lot of camera for the price, and seems to beat the 7D in nearly every category. I was just wondering if anyone had used one.

I personally have not but I have a friend that absolutely loves his. I close to purchasing one but I picked up a 1DmkII instead due to funds.

I think of it this way: Sony is a niche product, and it's going to limit your ability to expand in terms of glass and accessories. If you stick with Canon or Nikon, you're buying into a system with dozens of years of production behind it and a ton of lenses and accessories to help you get your images where you want them to be.

lol, a Mavica was my first ever digital camera. 640*480, 4 seconds per frame, and image capacity per disk that got lower as the battery depleted. Somewhere in an age old archive I may still have some airshow photos I took with it...

I'll preface this with I have no idea what I'm doing. That being said, here's what I'd like to get answered.

I'm looking into just trying out photography. I've read around, its apparent that Nikon or Canon are the way to go. I've read and find that a Canon 30d or Canon 40d are within my price range (200~350). I've also read that basically its the lens that really makes a big difference.

That being said, assuming I pick up a Canon 40d/30d, what lens should I look at for all-around shooting? I'm not looking for top end, but something that will give me general satisfaction, not like my iPod touch pictures. Max budget on a lens would be around $60-100 (hopefully that's enough, probably not).

Also once I get the camera + a good starter lens, if I were to shoot paintball, what sort of camera protection is recommended, since I doubt getting the camera shot is a great idea, and I'd like to protect the investment.

40d is great, the lens you'll need a bigger budget. Probably around $400. Ya might have to sell that luxe first!

That being said, would I do better to find a cheaper body (if a decent one exists for cheaper)?

My overall budget is running like 400-500 (body and lens). Would I do better with a Rebel? I figure if Amazon has a T3i (or just t3) with some package lens (some say 18-55mm or 75-300mm - I have no idea how to interpret that, and if it means quality or junk), should I go with the rebel instead of a 40d?

Opinions?

I'm just afraid of repeating what I did with paintball, buying a tippmann just to buy a mini a week later. I'd rather skip the junker step and buy something thats decent and hopefully holds some resale value in case it turns out photography is not my thing.

*Probably doesn't hurt to add that I'll be taking a trip to Africa and would love to have something decent to take pictures with (safari). That would be my primary reason for purchase initially, I'd like to later to it into paintball*